North East National Trust site Souter Lighthouse makes The Times's top 20 dog walks list

A North East landmark has made it onto one of the UK's top 20 dog walks, according to a national newspaper.

Souter Lighthouse, between Sunderland and South Shields, secured the place in the Times's list, which was put together as the National Trust prepared to launch a scheme to make its sites even more dog-friendly. The initiative will include new dog-washing facilities for muddy paws, drinking stations and downloadable dog-friendly walks round the grounds.

The Times rounded up 20 of the best days out to enjoy with your pet, whether that’s a gentle riverside ramble, a stroll along a beautiful clifftop path or an off-lead romp through the fields. And the Souter Lighthouse has made he cut.

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Describing the National Trust-owned site, The Times said: "The distinctive red-and-white-striped Souter Lighthouse in Whitburn was once surrounded by a busy mining community. Now these cliffs are home to a huge colony of seabirds, including fulmars and cormorants.

"Walk a little way along from here and you’ll find The Leas, two and a half miles of clifftop grassland and wildflower meadows with sweeping views from the England Coast Path, where your dog can run to its heart’s content. Or head to the nearby Whitburn Coastal Park, which is criss-crossed with paths and coastal trails.

"Dogs are welcome in the café, and there are two cosy, dog-friendly lighthouse keepers’ cottages to book should you fancy staying overnight."

Other National Trust properties and sites to make the Times's top 20 dog walks were:

• Lanhydrock House and Gardens

• Chartwell House and Gardens, Kent

• Heddon Valley, Devon

• Dinefwr Estate, Carmarthenshire

• Belton House and Gardens, Lincolnshire

• Crom Estate, Co Fermanagh

• Aira Force Woodlands, Cumbria

• Bodnant Garden, Conwy

• Morden Hall Park, London

• Calke Abbey and Gardens, Derbyshire

• Sandilands Beach, Lincolnshire

• Rowallane Garden, Co Down

• Ravenscar Coast, North Yorkshire

• Corfe Castle and Grounds, Dorset

• Felbrigg Hall and Gardens, Norfolk

• Ickworth Estate, Suffolk

• Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

• Brodie Castle, Moray

• Giant’s Causeway, Co Antrim

To read more about the locations, click here

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